The Intune team made a new beta version of Windows Intune ready for testing a couple of weeks ago. There is a impressive list of new features that I have heard many asking for. I have been running the beta now on a couple of test systems and it really looks good (still hope we get some updates before release). below you see a list of new features:

Software Distribution

Package applications, upload them to the cloud for distribution, and deploy them to your Windows Intune-managed PCs. Applications can be in EXE or MSI format. When application is deployed, BITS is used to ensure data transfer is efficient.

Better Hardware Reporting and Filters

In v1 Windows Intune did inventory a lot of H/W but to get it out from the console was harder. In v2 we now have H/W reports and also the option to export to file from the H/W tab when looking at a single computer

Third Party License Management

In v1 we have the option to connect your Microsoft Volume License Agreements and from this do some reporting on your licensing status. New In v2 is that you can create/add third party license information– all in one place.

User Interface Enhancements

Many new enhancements have been made to the user experience. One of the biggest thing is – Right click which will display a list of context-sensitive actions you can perform

A new role has been added – We can now create a “read-only” user

Remote Actions

Execute a number of tasks on remote unattended PCs

Invoke malware definitions to install

Initiate a malware scan to run immediately

Remotely reboot a PC.

Improvements to Alerts Workspace

We can now configure thresholds on alerts so you can filter out less important events, and focus on the ones that matter to you.

Improved the way you set up recipients for these alerts.

Support for images

The Windows Intune client is ‘image-friendly’ and can be set up prior to image deployment. Previously, the Windows Intune client required an internet connection before it could install.